Maumere is the main city of eastern Flores, a working port and airport town that is more useful than pretty at first glance. Stay a little longer and the appeal becomes clearer: Bugis and Bajo fishing villages on the bay, Sikka ikat weaving inland, and volcanic hills close enough for a hard day trip.
The town works best for travellers who like places with rough edges. Wuring Fishing Village puts you among stilt houses and boats rather than a beach strip, while Lepo Lorun gives a practical look at the weaving that still shapes Sikka identity.
Maumere is also a good base for the east side of Flores. Mount Egon rises behind the coast, and Koka Beach is within reach if you want one of Flores' better south-coast beach days. The town itself is modest, but the surrounding area rewards a spare day.